German Potato Pancakes
German Potato Pancakes (Reibekuchen or Kartoffelpuffer) are crispy, golden potato cakes made from grated potatoes, eggs, and spices, pan-fried to perfection. A German classic, they’re served sweet with applesauce or savory with sour cream, salmon, or hearty meats.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 pancakes (4–6 servings)
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: German
Ingredients
2 lbs starchy potatoes (such as Russet)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon corn or potato starch (if not using potato’s natural starch)
Cooking oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Peel and finely grate potatoes. Place in a clean towel and squeeze out excess liquid. Let liquid sit, then add settled starch back to potatoes.
- Mix grated potatoes with eggs, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and starch until combined.
- Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of mixture into pan, flatten gently into pancakes.
- Fry 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Transfer to paper towel–lined plate to drain.
- Serve hot with applesauce, sour cream, or toppings of choice.
Notes
Use starchy potatoes for best crispiness.
Adding grated onion gives extra flavor.
Serve sweet (with applesauce or cinnamon sugar) or savory (with sour cream, smoked salmon, or herbs).
Keep cooked pancakes warm in a 200°F oven between batches.
Best served fresh; reheating in the oven keeps them crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Find it online: https://familydinnercooking.com/german-potato-pancakes/
